A thick brown haze from the Hughes Fire loomed over a Walmart store in California.

Dramatic footage captured by Sura shows smoke engulfing Simi Valley on January 22.

Sura said: 'Winds are blowing strong this direction, and it's a fast-moving fire. Hope everyone stays safe.'

The wildfire, fueled by strong winds, began around 10:45 am on Wednesday. Within the first hour, the blaze had scorched more than 500 acres. By 12:30 pm, it had expanded to 3,407 acres, as reported by Cal Fire.

Officials said that by 1 pm, flames continued to race through the dry terrain.

At least 31,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to the rapid spread of the fire, and another 23,000 were under evacuation warnings.

As of Thursday evening, the fire was 36 per cent contained.

Authorities urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as crews work to bring the wildfire under control.

This fire comes amid ongoing wildfires in Southern California, including the Palisades and Eaton fires.

As of Thursday, Cal Fire data showed the Palisades Fire was 75 per cent contained, burning more than 23,400 acres, and the Eaton Fire was 95 per cent contained, scorching over 14,000 acres.

Officials confirmed 28 deaths from the deadly wildfires, 11 from the Palisades Fire and 17 from the Eaton Fire.